Crusty scabs on a dog can be alarming, especially if you don’t know the cause or how to treat them. Your dog may be experiencing discomfort or itching, and you may wonder about the risk of infection.
Why do dogs get crusty scabs on their skin? Well, there could be a number of reasons. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of this ailment, the best course of action for treatment, and when it’s a good idea to see a vet.
Before you read this guide, “How to Treat Crusty Scabs on a Dog,” check out: How to Treat Shock Collar Wounds for Dogs! (2023) and Hard Bump on Bridge of Dog’s Nose: Causes and How to Treat It! (2023).
What is a Scab?
Before we look into the causes of crusty scabs on dog skin, let’s look a little deeper at what, exactly, a scab is.
You’ve likely had scabs on your own skin. After an injury, a particularly pesky bug bite, or just over-scratching an itchy spot can cause scabbing. Dogs get scabs, too, and they’re usually not cause for concern.
A scab is caused by platelets traveling to the affected area. Blood cells clot and form a protective layer over your injury, helping the wound to heal and helping to prevent infection.
Types of Scabs on Dog Skin
There are dozens of reasons your dog may be exhibiting scabs on his skin. In fact, there are several types of scabs you may find. Let’s take a look at a few of them before we begin talking about treatment.
- Red scabs are a sign of a previous or recent injury. Your dog was likely bleeding in that location, and his body is healing itself after the wound was caused. There is usually little cause for concern if this type of scab appears. However, it’s important to note that your dog’s scab site may be itchy. Your pup may scratch the affected area, causing the scab to peel. Cover the spot with a bandage or other covering if possible to prevent further injury or infection.
- Raised scabs are common, and most scabs do have a little height on them. But raised scabs can be a sign of infection in your dog. They can also signify parasites or allergies, so it’s best to bring your dog to the vet if you notice abnormally elevated scabs.
- Yellow scabs can be cause for concern, as they may be indicative of infection. However, in many cases, yellow scabs are the canine equivalent of a baby’s cradle cap. Cradle cap is harmless and can be easily treated by a vet or with special topical treatments.
- Crusty scabs are usually a sign of an underlying condition. Your dog may have a fungal or bacterial infection, parasites, allergies, or even hormonal imbalances.
Should you have any concerns about scabs on your pup’s skin, call your vet! We’ve only touched on the possible causes here; a vet can give you a more accurate diagnosis for your pup.
Why Does My Dog Have Crusty Scabs?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes of crusty scabs on your dog’s skin. Determining the cause will better help you prepare to treat your pup!
Fleas
The most common cause of crusty scabs on dog skin is fleas. These gross little bugs are the bane of every pet parent’s existence, and your dog isn’t a fan, either.
Fleas bite your dog, defecate on his skin, and carry disease. Obviously, your first course of action, if your pup has fleas, is to destroy them!
Unfortunately, topical flea treatments can further irritate your dog’s skin. There’s good news, though: oral flea treatments are available. If you’ve noticed fleas, visit the vet — she’ll give your pup a yummy chewable that can kill fleas within minutes.
Allergies
Dogs suffer allergies just as humans do! If you’ve noticed a widespread rash that results in crusty scabs on your dog, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a vet.
Certain foods, environmental allergens, medications, and shampoos are all examples of things that could cause an allergic reaction in your dog. The treatment for each will vary, so a consult with your vet is probably in order.
With all that having been said, crusty scabs on dog skin due to allergies are usually only concerning if your dog is scratching and breaking the skin in the process.
Infections
Infections are another cause of crusty scabs on dog skin. In fact, your dog’s scratching can cause infection. Yeast infections on the skin are also a possibility, or your dog may be exhibiting signs of folliculitis.
Your vet may prescribe topical and oral medications if your dog is showing symptoms of skin infection. Over-the-counter remedies are also available, but you’ll want to ensure that your dog’s skin isn’t sensitive to the ingredients in the medicine. Do a quick skin test on an unaffected area of your dog’s body first.
How Do I Treat Crusty Scabs on My Dog?
Obviously, the first step to treating crusty scabs on dog skin is to determine the cause. You can usually do this on your own. But if you have any concerns, it’s perfectly fine to schedule an appointment with your dog’s vet.
Your vet may recommend that you change your pup’s diet, or that you add a supplement to his food. In severe cases or cases of infection, your vet may prescribe medication for your fur baby.
In the meantime, it’s safe to use some “home remedies” to help your dog feel more comfortable. Coconut oil applied to your dog’s skin can really help with the itching. An oatmeal bath or the application of an oatmeal poultice can be soothing for your pup.
Or find a chamomile or tea tree oil spray formulated for dogs — these treatments can help your pup feel much better with itchy skin.
Note that external treatments will do little if your dog’s itching is an internal issue. Talk to your vet about adding a vitamin supplement to improve skin condition, or about prescription medications that are available to you.
Can I Prevent Crusty Scabs on a Dog?
You can certainly take steps to prevent crusty scabs on your dog’s skin. In most cases, early detection is key to the prevention of severe symptoms.
At the first sign of itching or scabbing, take a closer look at your dog. First, identify the type of scab your dog has using the list above. In some cases, like the occurrence of red scabs from injury, scabbing is healthy and shouldn’t be treated! Just allow your dog’s body to do its own healing work, covering the affected area if necessary.
In other cases, you may find that you’ll need to change your dog’s lifestyle a bit. For instance, if you learn that your dog has food allergies to beef, chicken, eggs, or soy, you may have to eliminate those foods from the diet. Similarly, if it’s a shampoo or other product affecting your dog, switch brands.
Of course, there are instances when you won’t know what’s bothering your little buddy. Your vet can screen your pup — blood work, a nose-to-tail exam, and other methods will help your dog’s doc diagnose the ailment and help you prevent it from occurring in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you see crusty scabs on dog skin, it’s normal to worry. Thankfully, the issue is usually minor and you can treat it with minimal intervention.
You may still have questions, though, so we’ve answered a few of our readers’ most frequently asked questions here.
If your dog has fleas, you’ll notice! Incessant scratching, black spots and scabs on his skin, and literal jumping creatures on your dog’s coat are all signs of fleas.
If your pup has scabs but no fleas, there are a number of possible causes. Your dog may have been playing in an area with other insects, like mosquitoes, that broke his skin and caused scabs. While this is common, it’s uncomfortable. Find a reputable anti-itch spray for your dog if you’d like him to feel a bit better.
Your dog may have scabs without the presence of fleas because of allergies to foods, shampoos, or other external stimuli. A vet can tell you if your dog needs an antihistamine.
If you still can’t find the reason for your pup’s ailment, call your vet.
In many cases, the crusty stuff on your dog’s skin is called seborrhea. Seborrhea is caused by a natural excretion called sebum — when your dog’s glands produce this sebum in excess, a crusty layer will appear.
Underlying conditions are checked for and treated before the condition itself. For instance, a bacterial or fungal infection, a food allergy, or dry skin will be remedied appropriately before the “crusty stuff” will be addressed. Seborrhea doesn’t normally carry a concerning prognosis, particularly when it is detected and treated early.
Scabbing is a normal process that your dog’s body uses to heal. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to seek medical attention for your pup.
You should call the vet if your dog’s scabbing won’t heal or if it becomes inflamed. If your dog’s scabs turn color, a phone call is in order, as this may be a sign of infection. And in the rare case that your dog’s scabs begin to ooze, a trip to the vet should be a high priority.
Most pet owners know their dogs well and can determine whether scabbing is abnormal or just occurring as a result of bug bites or injury, but if you have any doubts at all, it’s probably a good idea to err on the side of caution.
Usually, yes. If you know the cause of your dog’s scabbing, you can take appropriate action. Here are a few examples:
Red scabs formed after an injury can usually be left alone, so long as your dog himself is leaving the area alone. If you like, you can apply a topical antibiotic cream that’s formulated for pups to prevent infection. If your dog is continually licking or scratching the area, it may be best to cover the scabs.
Yellow scabs that aren’t a product of oozing can usually be treated by applying coconut oil or oatmeal poultice to the dog’s skin. Do a small “skin test” first, applying a small amount to an unaffected area of your dog to check for a reaction. If your dog does not appear to be allergic, apply to the affected area.
Widespread scabs that are caused by allergies can ordinarily be remedied by simply removing the allergen. Of course, you can only do so if you know what’s bothering your dog. If you can’t make that determination, bring your dog to the vet to narrow down the possibilities, then follow the doc’s advice.
If you find yourself puzzled by your dog’s scabbing, call your vet. It’s better to rule out anything serious than deal with a worsening condition later.
Conclusion for “How to Treat Crusty Scabs on a Dog”
Any physical change in your dog can be concerning and may alarm you! This is especially true if your dog is scabbing and you’re not sure why.
Fortunately, crusty scabs on dog skin aren’t usually a sign of anything serious. Your dog may have suffered flea or other insect bites, or he may be allergic to a particular food or shampoo. You can typically treat scabbing at home with items you already have.
If you feel that your dog’s skin is exhibiting signs of something more serious, take her to the vet right away! Early detection of a skin disorder or ailment can make treatment worlds easier, and you can learn how to prevent the problem from occurring in the future.
If you find this guide, “How to Treat Crusty Scabs on a Dog,” helpful, check out:
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Learn more by watching “Found Crusty Scabs on Dog’s Back? Here’s Why and What to Do” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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